According to data from Philips has more than 1.3 billion people live in of light. Poverty. It is the people who do not have access to any electricity networks. As conventional light sources used kerosene lamps or candles. According to the World Health Organization, these primitive light sources each year in the death of 1.5 million people due to respiratory illnesses and fires. For comparison - the same number of people die each year from diseases related to HIV.
Light poverty affects the lives of people, particularly in Africa, Asia and South America. According to the World Bank, for example, in Southern Sudan access to electric lighting allowed a mere 1.5% of the population. In many developing countries do not have remote communities due to geographical and financial conditions of access to the electricity grid at all. As a solution, Philips sees solar LED technology that can provide light for a fraction of the cost of using kerosene lamps, moreover, without any health and safety risks and environmental threats. Moreover, without the need for greater investment in infrastructure.
"Solar LED lighting can transform a remote rural communities and save millions of lives. And what's more, nothing new does not need to be invented - it already exists and it's proven," Eric Rondolat, CEO of Philips Lighting.
"Speculating on economic grounds is unnecessary. It's time to seize the initiative, because light is essential for human development. Pulling the 1.3 billion people in the light of poverty would not only promote the economic, social and cultural development, but a huge improvement would also occurred in global GDP, "adds Rondolat.
One solar LED lamp with zero energy consumption from the grid fills up bright electric light an entire room in one-time costs of 10-20 dollars. At the same time, people in these countries spend on fuel in kerosene lamps annually to $ 50.
Combining energy-saving LED lights and solar panels can provide permanent lighting and public spaces and allow people to life outside the home after dark. These centers of community lighting will not only provide health care or sustain the operations of stores after sunset, but will also promote sports and other social activities. Currently Philips Center installed a total of 100 community lighting in twelve countries in Africa, where it currently has 500 million people have no access to light.
Source: Ekolist.cz
